For decades, women have driven healthcare forward, yet leadership roles haven’t always reflected their contributions. Is that finally changing?

At cmr’s International Women’s Day webinar, CEO Sam Miklos spoke with three inspiring healthcare leaders about what’s changing, what’s not, and what’s next. This open conversation highlighted personal experiences, systemic challenges, and, most importantly, the steps needed to empower the next generation of female leaders in healthcare and beyond.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment., reminds us that leadership must be accessible to every woman, regardless of background or circumstance.

Are we doing enough to empower the next generation of female leaders?

Watch the webinar and join the discussion on our LinkedIn here

Watch our International Women’s Day Webinar

Samantha Miklos, cmr founder and CEO
Ellen Rogers, a leading dentist in Geraldton, WA.
Karyn Matterson, Director of Medical Services at Blackwall Hospital in Outback Queensland.
Lesley Woolf, an OAM recipient and the Executive Manager of Health and Community Services at Malala Health Service in remote NT.

What’s next? How to be the change

Our IWD panelists agreed that achieving true gender equality in healthcare leadership requires more than just filling quotas.  Here’s what needs to happen:

1. Encourage mentorship and sponsorship programs to foster leadership opportunities for women.

2. Advocate for flexible workplace policies that support women juggling professional and personal responsibilities.

3. Advocate for emerging female leaders and challenge stereotypes in specialist male-dominated fields to support female specialists and ensure leadership is reflective of the workforce.

4. Rethink leadership pathways to accommodate diverse experiences and value non-linear career progression. Leadership should not be measured solely by traditional full-time experience. Skills gained through caregiving, crisis management, and multitasking are invaluable in leadership roles.

5. Celebrate and amplify the voices of women in healthcare leadership. (share this article! or read more)